CONTEMPORARY EURASIA VIII (2) ContEurVIII2 | Page 59

CONTEMPORARY EURASIA VIII (2)
which causes no problem as both the UK and the Republic of Ireland
were members of the EU and the EU single market and economic union,
but after Brexit, the UK will leave this single market. This implies the
tightening of border controls, including control of commodity turnover.
In the case of Northern Ireland, this also takes on a certain political
context, as it will lead to a division from the Republic of Ireland’s market
and in general from the Republic of Ireland. That is why the so-called
"Backstop" 24 was negotiated. The Backstop means that Northern Ireland
would remain part of the EU single market and customs union after
Brexit. It gives Northern Ireland a special status over other UK units,
which is unacceptable for the Conservative party of the UK. This
contradiction has caused debate over the issue of postponing Brexit and
leaving the EU without a deal.
In the context of Brexit, this example of Northern Ireland shows
that the so-called "half-solutions" in conflict resolution, called upon to
“save the face” of the parties, that cause the dependence of the conflicting
sides, further restricts the sovereignty of the conflicting parties and
continues to threaten instability in the region. Overall, in the period under
review, we can see the escalation of so-called “frozen” conflicts, while
regional developments are causing the reactivation of resolved conflicts.
Conclusion
The revolution in Armenia and the significant increase of the
legitimacy of the authorities created positive expectations in the context
of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, first and foremost
among the international community. Azerbaijan's constructive attitude
and positive dynamics in the initial phase of dialogue with the new
authorities also contributed to this. However, to justify such expectations,
proportionate change is needed for all parties involved, first and foremost
for Azerbaijan, which will ensure a balanced transformation of the
approaches of all parties and effective dialogue.
Azerbaijan's constructiveness was temporary, pursuing clear
interests and goals. Armenia's rapid, revolutionary democratization and
constructiveness in the negotiation process could have increased pressure
on Azerbaijan, so Baku sought to be cooperative to avoid such pressure

24
“Brexit and Ireland,” European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/ireland/news/key-eu-
policy-areas/brexit_en (accessed October 10, 2019).
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